His Holiness the Dalai Lama saying goodbye to the youth leaders at the end of the two-day conference at Gaden Phodrang in Dharamshala on November 7, 2017. Photo-OHHDL

DHARAMSHALA, November 7: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama told youth delegate from conflict zones that religious harmony can not be achieved just by talking but by action. The Tibetan leader was speaking to the youth from 15 different countries on the conclusion of a two day conference.

Youth leaders gathered at Gaden Phodrang for a two-day conference with an encouragement from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to become his ‘representatives’ and carryout peace building works in their respective countries through his ‘spirit’. “I truly hope and believe that each of you (youth leaders) will act like Dalai Lama. Go back to your country and if you agree, you should carry my spirit,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while teasing them of the difficulty of carrying his wisdom since it would take them many more years of practice.

Organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), a non-partisan federal institution based in Washington DC, the conference participated by 25 youth leaders aimed at discussing positive solutions for the conflict stricken areas around the world.

The two-day forum, which concluded today was participated by youths from countries ravaged by war, terrorism, violence and conflicts. Many of the youth have experienced these difficult situations firsthand such as the aftermaths of Sudan’s political division, the Rohingya Muslim refugee crisis, Boko Haram exploits and war-torn regions of Afghanistan and Syria.

The 82-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate advised that the best way to preserve the ‘culture and identity’ is through the combination of modern education and the traditional education’. He also gave the example of Sami People in Norway.

His Holiness jokingly said that he would welcome leaders from ISIS to the conference, if the organizers find it okay.

The Dalai Lama yesterday lauded the courage and resolve of the youths who chose peace and reconciliation when violence could have been reactionary and in some cases an easy option.